Downtown Missoula: Historical Self-Guided Tour of Montana's Heart

5.0 (7 reviews) Montana, USA
Duration1h 30m - 2h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

Explore Montana's second-largest city on this self-guided audio tour. Along the way, you'll hear about the colorful characters, architectural gems, and dramatic stories that shaped this mountain community's unique identity. Weave through Missoula's historic streets, exploring buildings like the elegant Florence Hotel and passing landmarks that showcase the city's evolution from railroad hub to automobile center. Learn about the contentious relationship between the city's founding father, C.P. Higgins, and his business rival, Andrew Hammond. Cross the Clark Fork River with views of Brennan's Wave, a man-made kayaking feature, and see the Spanish Mission Revival-style Milwaukee Road Depot. You'll also explore the “seedier” side of Missoula's history, including tales of notorious madams like Mary “Mother” Gleim, whose exploits included diamond smuggling and attempted murder. The tour ends at the historic Missoula Mercantile, now beautifully preserved as part of the Residence Inn.

What's included

  • Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • App for Android and iOS
  • Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
  • Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour
  • Transportation
  • Food and drink

What to expect

  1. Pass by
    You'll begin your journey in the heart of downtown Missoula at this central location. From here, you'll explore the historic streets that tell the story of the city's transformation from trading post to cultural center.
  2. Pass by
    You'll enter this elegant historic hotel that stands as one of downtown's architectural gems. Walk past this landmark to discover how it represents Missoula's evolution from a frontier town to a sophisticated mountain city.
  3. The Wilma Theater
    Pass by
    You'll marvel at this eight-story "skyscraper" built in 1921 for Vaudeville star Edna Wilma. Explore how this iconic theater became a centerpiece of Missoula's entertainment and cultural life.
  4. Pass by
    You'll pass this beautiful Spanish Mission Revival-style railroad station. Discover how this architectural landmark represents Missoula's railroad heritage and westward expansion.
  5. Caras Park
    Pass by
    You'll walk through this riverside gathering space that serves as Missoula's community heart. Experience where locals and visitors come together along the waterfront.
  6. Pass by
    You'll end your tour at this beautifully preserved historic building. Browse historical artifacts and artwork while discovering tales of the city's colorful past, including stories of notorious madams and diamond smugglers.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

The tour start outside the Destination Missoula Visitors Center on East Main Street. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

This tour ends outside the Residence Inn by Marriott Missoula Downtown.

Additional information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

5.0 (7)
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$19.99 per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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